The Burnaby North Road Business Improvement Association was created in May, 2009 by a handful of forward thinking, community minded people who saw a need to upgrade and promote the North Road corridor. The group garnered support from the business community to form a BIA and applied to Burnaby City Hall to have North Road designated as a Business Improvement Area. A special levy on properties in the area provided the necessary funds to facilitate the Associations objectives. An Executive Director was hired to initiate projects which would support the vision of the business area and the City to keep the community vibrant and thriving.

One of the first things that needed to be done was to get an exceptional marketing plan which would help us build on our strengths. Synergist Communications helped us to identify the top three priorities for the area including: showcasing the Korean Shopping District as a unique shopping experience, strengthening the North Road community by reaching out to the Associations’ business members, and creating a signature event which would highlight the community’s strengths and advance community relations.

As with any burgeoning community, we are involved in crime prevention and security (ICBC Bike Patrol and involvement with CPAC), cleanliness and beautification (graffiti prevention, banners, street furniture, lighting, planters, holiday decorations) and transportation (working with BC Transit on the Evergreen line). We strive to maintain mutually beneficial community partnerships with the City of Burnaby, Cameron Rec. Complex and local schools, often pooling resources which contribute to our thriving community.

Although the BIA works for its members, the level of participation with the membership determines the success. We have engaged support from Burnaby Mountain Secondary School, hiring students on work study to assist with special events, but we encourage all members to participate in programs. BIAs can be enormously successful, when dedicated members and stakeholders of the area work together for the common goal of business improvement.